Discontent On La Grange 102 Board?

LA GRANGE, IL — Two La Grange School District 102 board members last week abstained from voting for Mike Melendez as president and Ed Campbell as vice president.

The board members are Bessie Boyd and Brian Anderson. Neither one explained why during the meeting.

A year ago, both Melendez and Campbell received unanimous votes from their colleagues. Anderson is Melendez's predecessor as president.

Asked about her vote, Boyd told Patch she wanted to share her reasons with Melendez and Campbell before giving a public explanation, adding that was the fair thing to do.

In an interview, Anderson said he felt his abstentions were appropriate, but declined to give details.

"If one of the board members asked me, I'd share it with them directly," he said.

At a March board meeting, Boyd said she was concerned that Campbell may have a conflict of interest in marketing his company's saliva screening services to other school districts, using District 102's data.

At the time, Melendez said the matter should have gone first to the district's lawyer because Boyd alleged unethical behavior.

"I know you have questions. Those are fair questions," Melendez said. "They certainly can be reviewed."

The district's law firm is investigating the issue, officials say.